Tuesday, Feb. 20, is the last day to register for Ohio’s 2024 Primary, and boards of election offices will be open until 9 p.m. that day.
On the ballot for next month’s primary, voters will select party candidates for the U.S. Senate, decide who moves forward in several congressional races, choose judicial nominees and numerous ballot issues — in addition to narrowing the field for U.S. president.
Friday, board of elections directors from Butler, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Warren counties came together to discuss how they're preparing for the primary.
Kenneth Henning from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office joined them, urging voters to be vigilant in confirming all election information they hear or receive.
“When someone gets an email stating early vote hours or anything to do with the elections that’s not a dot gov, that’s your first red flag because that’s not a trusted entity," Henning said. "The other is on social media, if they have accounts they are usually verified with a blue check mark. I would just reiterate they need to look for those trusted sources.”
Nicole Unzicher is the director of the Butler County Board of Elections. She reminded voters of the biggest change since the 2020 presidential primary.
"When you do come in to vote, either early voting or at the polling locations, you will need to provide an unexpired photo identification, whether that's a driver's license or a state ID," Unzicher said. "We are accepting passports now as that photo identification, and any military ID as well."
If you need a valid photo ID, Unzicher said you can get a free state issued photo ID at a BMV office. You’ll need to show them your birth certificate or Social Security card. Or if you’ve changed your name, present your marriage license or divorce decree.
Her deputy director, Eric Corbin, reminds voters they have voting options. "You can do it in person on Election day at your polling location, you can participate in early voting at the Board of Elections, or mail in your absentee ballot," explains Corbin. "So whichever way you choose to vote. We just want to make sure that you make a plan."
To help voters make a plan, Lisa Boggs urges people to review their ballots on their county's board of election website. Boggs is over Preble County's board of election.
"Everyone will have the major party ballots, Republican and Democratic, they may have an issue only ballot in certain jurisdictions or countywide, but voters can access that information on all of our websites and download it so that they can research who is on the ballot," says Boggs.
Russ Joseph is deputy director in Montgomery County. "We have 21 valid issues in our county. Voters will decide on the city of Dayton's earned income tax renewal levy that's on the ballot. We also have numerous other municipal and school, district levies on the ballot," he reminds the county's residents.
Meanwhile, Joseph's boss, director Jeff Rezabek, says he appreciates having the Primary in March. "With this being a presidential election year, we anticipate voter turnout in November to be high," explains Rezabek. "So we'll have plenty of time to prepare."
Voters are also encouraged to confirm their polling location in advance because some have changed. Early voting begins Wednesday, Feb. 21.
